Justice Dept. weighs in on OH, WI voting cases

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has sided with challengers of voting laws in Wisconsin and Ohio, saying measures in those states unfairly affect minority voters.

At issue is a Wisconsin law that requires voters to present photo ID at the polls and an Ohio law that limits when voters can cast an early ballot.

The Justice Department has warned of legal actions against states after the Supreme Court last year wiped out a major provision of the Voting Rights Act. Last year the department sued Texas and North Carolina.

But the government didn't sue in either Ohio or Wisconsin, instead submitting court filings joining with challengers who want the measures declared invalid.